The funding will assist in providing an employment package, capital investment and marketing resources to reach a wider audience, including an online booking system.
The employment package will provide more local jobs, including additional teaching hours for an expanded education program and keeper hours to look after new exhibits, while the capital investment of the park includes refurbishing existing enclosures, new signage, landscaping and pathways.
“The animals will thrive in their refurbished enclosures and with these upgrades the Fauna Park team will be able to create even better visitor experiences that will have people near and far coming back time after time,” park manager Lachlan Gordon said.
The boost is in addition to the $1.94 million received from the Victorian Government last year for upgrades, as part of an infrastructure-based economic stimulus package to support economic recovery from the effects of COVID-19.
In the works is a new reptile house and visitor entry, along with renovations of the Education and Conservation Centre, and a refresh of several animal exhibits with improvements to existing pathways and predator-proof fencing.
Construction is under way on the new visitor entrance by Crow Constructions, working to create a welcoming space for visitors and includes a new ticketing area, retail shop, toilets and a café with views directly into a new animal enclosure.
Construction of the new visitor entry is being managed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning with construction of the new reptile house being managed by Campaspe Shire Council.
DELWP regional manager land and built environment program Adam Melis said the park was a key economic driver for the local community.
“These upgrades will create local jobs to help stimulate the economy post-COVID,” he said.
A new purpose-built facility will be built to house the park’s extensive reptile display to ensure contemporary animal management standards are met, as well as creating a great visitor experience.
The park will remain open throughout construction of the new visitor entry, with expected completion by mid- 2022.
Funding was partially provided by the Federal Government, through the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program, Campaspe Shire Council and a $40,000 contribution from the Kyabram Club and Kyabram Community Club towards capital works upgrades.
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